Sustainable Design Courses

Click here for information on the AEC Daily Sustainability Rating System.

Displaying 276 - 300 of 399 results.

FIRST PREV [226-250] [251-275] [276-300] [301-325] [326-350] NEXT LAST

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    An energy recovery ventilator (ERV) system provides occupants with filtered, balanced, and tempered air within their living space. Airborne contaminants can be greatly reduced with ERV systems. This course provides knowledge about the need, use, design, and installation of ERVs in the modern dwelling unit and when retrofitting existing structures. The course also addresses the environmental advantages of sustainable and healthy solutions for indoor air quality.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Selecting a countertop surface today, whether for a break lounge or a reception desk, means weighing the relative sustainability of the choices while considering whether the material meets the design objectives of the space. This course will help you decide whether quartz surfacing does that. We will review its performance characteristics and environmental and human health impacts, compare it to other options, and guide selection and design.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Bamboo is a versatile, strong material with a warm aesthetic that suits an array of interior design styles. This course looks at how bamboo is sustainably sourced to produce low-VOC products such as flooring, cladding, and three-ply architectural wall and ceiling panels. Project examples highlight a CNC routing method that produces panels with eye-catching patterns of varying depths and levels of intricacy. The course also examines how bamboo products may apply to several credits and features in the LEED® v4.1 Building Design and Construction and Interior Design and Construction rating systems and the WELL Building Standard™ version 2.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Buildings, roads, and man-made landscapes can harm the natural environment with their effect on the natural water cycle. Architects and designers need to be aware of the best practices and experts’ recommendations to specify the correct type of drainage system that serves users and protects the environment. This course discusses the positive contributions of modern drainage systems to the built environment and their role in improving sustainability. The technical and aesthetic aspects of trench drain design are also covered.

  • ( ~ 15 minutes ) 

    The first course of this series from the Carbon Leadership Forum provides a high-level overview of embodied carbon: how it is defined, its significance in the global climate crisis, and how it is impacted by the construction industry. In addition, the course examines procurement policies as an embodied carbon reduction strategy—in particular, the Buy Clean policies, their uptake in the US, and their key elements.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    This course examines the material composition, reinforcement types, and testing standards associated with styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) modified bitumen membranes. It explains how fiberglass, polyester, and combination reinforcements affect membrane strength, flexibility, and dimensional stability. The standards that establish testing methods for tensile strength, elongation, and long-term performance are covered in detail. The course also outlines how material selection and installation practices influence roof durability, moisture resistance, and occupant safety.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Solid surface is a popular material choice due to its beauty, durability, and ease of cleaning. Selecting a solid surface depends on the manufacturing process, the raw materials involved, and the material’s sustainability. This course examines solid surface as a decorative material, discusses its characteristics and attributes, and compares it with other hard surface materials

  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    ICF construction is cost effective and sustainable, and is a superior way to build stronger, quieter, healthier, and more energy-efficient commercial structures. This course explores insulated concrete form (ICF) construction, describing the forms themselves and their construction, performance, and sustainable benefits. Also presented are design guidelines, the installation process, flooring systems, and commercial project applications.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Architectural glazing systems are vital to building performance, influencing energy efficiency, structural integrity, and aesthetics. This course compares storefront and curtain wall systems, explores performance optimization strategies, and examines their contribution to sustainability. Participants will gain the technical knowledge needed to develop effective product specifications.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    This course examines the evolving expectations for hygiene, sustainability, and cost efficiency in commercial restroom design. Drawing on insights from a global postpandemic survey, it explores how shifting perceptions are influencing design priorities and industry standards. Learners will gain a deeper understanding of strategies and products that promote safety, occupant health, and wellness while achieving measurable environmental, cost, and time savings, and how integrating innovative solutions may help meet credit requirements in the LEED® v5 Building Design and Construction and Interior Design and Construction rating systems and the WELL Building Standard™ version 2. Lastly, real-world project examples illustrate how these considerations can be effectively integrated to enhance performance, sustainability achievements, and user experience in modern commercial restrooms.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    The purpose of this course is to provide an introduction to the use of entrance floor systems in commercial buildings in order to promote a safe and clean environment. The course explains the codes, regulations, and guidelines specifically related to entrance flooring systems for high-traffic entrances in healthcare, education, transportation, corporate, and other commercial settings.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    As environmental concerns grow, repurposing materials and finding new ways to showcase their unique qualities in design have become increasingly important. This course examines terrazzo’s history, system types, flooring assemblies, and restoration and refinishing options. Discover its enduring versatility and charm through renovation projects featuring newly installed and renewed vintage floors, where its durability, material attributes, and design potential can help meet credit requirements in the LEED ® v5 Building Design and Construction and Interior Design and Construction rating systems and the WELL Building StandardTM version 2.

  • ( ~ 1 hour, 30 minutes ) 

    The principles, tools, and techniques for sustainable community planning (SCP) outlined in Part 1 of this course have evolved into various approaches to the actual implementation of SCP around the world. These approaches have been developed in response to local context and in communities ranging in size and form from large cities to small ecovillages and housing clusters. Part 2 of this course describes a number of these approaches for both land and water and also suggests a means of integrating them into a single, comprehensive planning model. The course concludes with case studies of a range of built sustainable community examples and planning exercises and includes some of the lessons learned.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Rolling doors are used in heavy-duty, medium-duty, and light-duty applications for a wide range of commercial, industrial, and construction environments. This course provides a review of the features, components, options, and applications of various types of commercial rolling door products.

  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    Vacuum insulation panels (VIPs) offer higher thermal resistance per unit thickness than traditional insulation materials. This means a building envelope can meet the effective R-values for enclosures required by the energy codes without having to increase the thickness of the walls, roof, or floors. This course discusses how VIPs work, why they are effective, and the impact the properties of the materials used to construct a VIP can have on its performance. VIP installations and the latest developments in VIP technology are reviewed to illustrate the advantages of using VIPs as thermal insulation in the design of energy-efficient buildings.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    One of the more complicated issues today in building science is addressing moisture movement, since moisture can penetrate a building in several different ways and result in material degradation, air quality issues, and failure of the building enclosure. This course examines the ways moisture can enter a structure and discusses the role of different moisture control layers that, when correctly placed and installed, can prevent unwanted moisture infiltration.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Door systems are an integral part of educational facilities. This course discusses their importance in creating a safe and secure learning environment and explores the different types of doors, frames, and hardware components. Also covered are industry standards, compliance requirements for fire and life safety, accessibility, and security measures that enhance the safety of the door assembly. The course concludes with some practical applications and case studies in educational settings.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Growing and concentrating populations, shifting weather patterns, increasing frequency and ferocity of storm events, disappearing water supplies, and rising costs have made providing potable water and managing other water-related issues increasingly difficult for many communities. This course explores their many water issues and how they adapt their management practices to address constantly evolving water conditions.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Resiliency is a growing necessity. It is important to understand the impacts on the built environment resulting from natural and manmade disasters and disturbances and to design for those impacts now. Presented in this course is an overview of the benefits of using steel doors as part of a resilient design strategy for applications requiring resistance to blasts, tornadoes, and ballistics.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Authorities having jurisdiction all over the world, including in all 50 US states, have mandated photoluminescent egress path markings to support safe evacuation of high-rise buildings in the case of total power failure. This course reviews photoluminescent egress path marking requirements in the model International Building Code® and International Fire Code® (2015, 2018, 2021) and identifies compliant photoluminescent path marking products. The course also discusses recommended best practices that exceed code requirements, which will reduce building operation costs and improve occupant and first responder safety.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Designing with green roofs affords design professionals opportunities to plan projects with exciting new elements, added value, and significant, tangible benefits, thereby enhancing the built environment with newly-created landscapes. This course examines green roof systems, including the types, benefits, components, and related standards. As well, it provides a discussion on how green roofs mitigate urban heat island effect and reduce stormwater runoff.

  • ( ~ 2 hours ) 

    This presentation focuses on four major areas of managing a LEED project team from the general contractor’s perspective. It includes an overview of the integrative process; identifying potential members and responsibilities of the project team and discussing how to implement that process in detail; investigating why the role of a LEED project manager is critical to the success of the project; ideas based on personal experience; and examples of past projects with best practice recommendations for a practical approach.

     In order to download this course, a USD $70.00 fee must be paid.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    This course examines bamboo as a sustainable construction material by focusing on its properties, environmental advantages, and innovative applications. Participants will explore responsible sourcing, manufacturing practices, and key certifications. The course also covers advanced products such as thermally modified and high-density bamboo. Professionals will gain the knowledge required to integrate bamboo into projects that align with performance and sustainability standards.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Noise pollution is excessive environmental noise that disrupts the activity or balance of human life. As urban environments have become increasingly dense, the noise problem has magnified, negatively impacting mental and physical health. Sound is everywhere, but it can be controlled with architectural solutions. This course provides a refresher on the basic science of acoustics and how sound interacts with our surroundings. From there, the course explores various architectural solutions, the technology behind them, and how they are successfully integrated into buildings to reduce noise. Discussion of installation applications addresses sound control options for retrofits and new construction.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Acrylic solid surface and quartz materials provide versatile solutions for designs that balance aesthetics, durability, and health. This course examines their performance benefits, emerging design trends, and real-world applications, highlighting key specification considerations. Also reviewed are how acrylic solid surface and quartz materials may help meet credit requirements in the LEED® v5 Building Design and Construction and Interior Design and Construction rating systems and the WELL Building Standard™ v2.

Displaying 276 - 300 of 399 results.

FIRST PREV [226-250] [251-275] [276-300] [301-325] [326-350] NEXT LAST